Method and system for removing solutes from a fluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation

ABSTRACT

A method for removing a solute from a fluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation includes magnetically conditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magnetic field to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation; adding a coagulant to the fluid before, during, or after application of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate the increased available solute particles to form colloids; and collecting the colloids for removal from the fluid.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/873,625 filed on Jun. 4, 2001 which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 09/604,560 filed on Jun. 27, 2000, now abandoned,which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/992,147 filedDec. 17, 1997, issued on Aug. 5, 2000 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,738.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to removing contaminants from a fluid andmore particularly, to a method and system for removing contaminants froma fluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] Many municipalities world-wide discharge their waste-watereffluent into local waterways such as rivers, brooks, and ponds.Typically, however, the flow of such waterways is inadequate to carryaway the residual nutrients, namely phosphates and nitrates, resultingin eutrophication of those waterways. That is, weeds and algae growuncontrollably, due to the excessive nutrients, resulting in depletionof available oxygen from the water. This results in killing the fish andamphibians which require the oxygen for survival and ultimately turnsthe rivers and ponds into swamps, devoid of marine life.

[0004] Removing the nutrients (phosphates and nitrates) and othercontaminants (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc,etc.) to safe levels is cost prohibitive. Guidelines proposed by theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State Departments of theEnvironment to reduce the phosphate limits even further exacerbate theneed for a cost effective, efficient method for removing the contaminantwhich will meet or exceed the existing and proposed EPA guidelines.

[0005] Recent studies have estimated the cost of nearing, not evenachieving, the proposed EPA requirement for even modest sized facilitiesat tens of millions of dollars. Moreover, even then the existingtechnology cannot meet the requirements necessary to reverseeutrophication. Other attempts to meet the EPA requirement required asubstantially high chemical consumption, and still failed to meet theEPA requirement.

[0006] Alternatives to meeting the EPA requirements include naturaltreatments, constructed wetlands, biological treatments and evenrelocation of treatment facility effluent, all of which are costprohibitive. Magnetic filtration and separation systems have beenattempted in the past. These systems provided magnetic filtration aftercoagulation, magnetic seeding, and flocculation. They did notincorporate magnetic preconditioning or magnetic field treatment of anykind. The only use of magnetic fields was in the devices used forfiltration of the seeded, e.g. magnetic, flocs from the fluid. They didnot recognize the benefit to coagulation of the magnetic fieldconditioning. Thus, they required comparatively large amounts ofchemical reagents. Moreover, they did not achieve sufficient contaminantremoval. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,033, incorporated herein by thisreference.

[0007] Magnetic treatment of water is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 438,579where a magnetic field is applied to water flowing through pipes in aclosed boiler system in order to prevent minerals from depositing on theinside of the pipes by keeping the minerals suspended and flowing; theminerals are not collected and removed from the system.

[0008] Several other processing systems have been implemented to preventscaling of precipitated minerals by applying a magnetic field transverseto a fluid to precipitate the minerals from solution. However,descriptions of these treatment specifically state that “treatment doesnot eliminate the hardness salts but alters them physically”. Theprecipitate is not collected. Prior art devices such as Moody, U.S. Pat.No. 3,228,878, do not collect the contaminant but merely change thephysical character of scale producing mineral contaminants so that theyflow through piping, heat exchangers, and the like, rather than adhereto the walls thus increasing pressure drop and decreasing heat exchangerate.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide animproved system and method for removing solutes using magneticallyconditioned coagulation.

[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich can reduce the solute level for waste water to be within therequirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich is cost effective to implement.

[0012] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich requires less chemical consumption to remove the solutes.

[0013] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich occupies less space than existing decontamination systems.

[0014] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich can be integrated into existing decontamination systems.

[0015] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich will improve the performance of existing decontamination systems.

[0016] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich will cost effectively treat very large flow rates.

[0017] It is a further object of this invention to provide such a systemwhich uniformly distributes and mixes chemical reagents to maximizetheir effectiveness.

[0018] The invention results from the realization that a truly efficientand cost effective system and method for removing solutes from a fluidcan be achieved by magnetically conditioning a fluid by passing thefluid through a high gradient magnetic field before, during or afterchemical coagulation and/or the introduction of a nucleation agent toincrease both the efficiency and the efficacy of the coagulant bymodifying ionic interactions to enhance the formation of colloids.

[0019] This invention features a method of removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation including magneticallyconditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magnetic field to thefluid to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation,adding a coagulant to the fluid before, during, or after application ofthe conditioning magnetic field to coagulate the increased availablesolute particles to form colloids, and collecting the colloids forremoval from the fluid.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment the conditioning magnetic field mayhave an average flux density in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla. Theconditioning magnetic field may have a field gradient in the range of 10to 2000 Tesla/meter. The conditioning magnetic field may be appliedparallel to a direction of fluid flow. The step of adding a coagulantmay further include nucleation, by adding a nucleation agent, aftercoagulation. Collecting may include flocculating, by adding flocculantto the coagulated solute particles, to produce flocs. Collecting mayinclude separating the flocs by sedimentation, after flocculation hasbeen completed, to remove the flocs leaving a clear fluid overflow.Collecting may include adding magnetic seed to the coagulated soluteparticles prior to flocculation. Collecting may include separating thesolute particles by sedimentation, after flocculation has beencompleted, to remove the flocs. Separating may include supplementalmagnetic filtration for filtering small flocs from the clear overflow.Collecting may include primary magnetic filtration by applying a primarymagnetic field to the flocs, after flocculation has been completed, toremove the flocs from the fluid. The primary magnetic field may have anaverage flux density of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla. The primary magnetic field mayhave a field gradient in the range of 1 to 2000 Tesla/meter. The primarymagnetic field may be applied parallel to the direction of a fluid flow.The step of collecting may include mixing at low r.p.m.'s, after addingflocculant, to create large, loose flocs.

[0021] Collecting may include re-circulating the magnetic seed afterremoving the flocs from the fluid. Collecting may include shearing theflocs into small pieces. Shearing may include agitating the flocs.Shearing may include shearing the flocs through turbulent fluid flow.

[0022] Re-circulating the magnetic seed may include secondary magneticfiltration of the magnetic seed from the flocs by applying a secondarymagnetic field to the flocs. The secondary magnetic field may have anaverage flux density in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 Tesla. The secondarymagnetic field may have a field gradient in the range of 10 to 1000Tesla/meter. The secondary magnetic field may be applied parallel to adirection of fluid flow.

[0023] Recirculation may include regeneration of the magnetic seed.Regeneration of the magnetic seed may include demagnetization.Demagnetization may include applying a magnetic field in the range of0.1 to 1.0 Tesla at 400 Hertz. Regeneration may include cleaning thesurface of the magnetic seed. Cleaning of the magnetic seed may includewashing the magnetic seed with acid. Regeneration may include drying themagnetic seed at a high temperature to calcine the seed surface. Dryingthe magnetic seed may include heating the magnetic seed with microwaves.Recirculating the magnetic seed may include flushing the magnetic seedwith water.

[0024] The fluid may contain less than 0.1 ppm of solute aftercollecting the colloids. The coagulant may be alum, ferric chloride, orlime. The percent by volume of alum may be a 48.6% solution and fed inthe system at a rate of 10 to 100 ppm.

[0025] The flocculent may be anionic or cationic. Mixing may be at lowr.p.m.'s for at least 30 seconds.

[0026] The conditioning magnetic field may have a flux density of atleast 0.1 Tesla and a magnetic field gradient of at least 10Tesla/meter. The nucleation agent may be bentonite, the magnetic seedmay be magnetite, the solute may be phosphate and the conditioningmagnetic field gradient may be 100 Tesla/meter.

[0027] The invention also features a method for removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation including applying aconditioning magnetic field to the fluid to enhance the precipitation ofsolutes for coagulation, coagulating the available contaminants, whilecontemporaneously applying the conditioning magnetic field to the fluid,to precipitate the solute from the fluid to form colloids, andcollecting the colloids.

[0028] The invention also features a method for removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation including coagulatingthe solute with a coagulant to precipitate solute particles from thefluid, applying a conditioning magnetic field to the coagulated soluteparticles to enhance coagulation of the solute particles by increasingapplication of the solute particles to the coagulant to form colloids,and collecting the colloids.

[0029] The invention also features a method for removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation including coagulatingthe solute particles with a coagulant to precipitate the soluteparticles from the fluid, adding a nucleation agent for receiving thesolute particles, and applying a conditioning magnetic field to thecoagulated solute particles and nucleation agent to enhance applicationof the solute particles to the coagulant and deposition of the particleson the nucleation agent.

[0030] The invention also features a system for removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation including means formagnetically conditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magneticfield to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation,means for adding a coagulant to the fluid before, during, or afterapplication of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate theincreased available solute particles to form colloids and means forcollecting the colloids from the fluid.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment the conditioning magnetic field mayhave an average flux density in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla. Theconditioning magnetic field may have a field gradient in the range of 10to 2000 Tesla/meter. The conditioning magnetic field may be appliedparallel to the direction of the fluid flow. The means for adding acoagulant may further include nucleation means for adding a nucleationagent. The means for collecting may further include flocculation means,for producing flocs of the available solute particles. The means forcollecting may include separator means, responsive to the flocculationmeans, for separating the flocs from the fluid. The separator means mayinclude sedimentation means in which the flocs settle to the bottom ofthe sedimentation means and clear fluid overflows the sedimentationmeans.

[0032] The means for collecting may further include seeding means, foradding magnetic seed to the magnetically conditioned fluid. The meansfor collecting may further include separator means, responsive to theflocculation means, for separating the flocs from the fluid. Theseparator means may include sedimentation means in which the flocssettle to the bottom of the sedimentation means and clear fluidoverflows the sedimentation means. The separator means may furtherinclude supplemental magnetic filtration means for filtering small flocsfrom the fluid overflow. The separator means may include primarymagnetic filtration means, responsive to the magnetic seeds, forapplying a primary magnetic field to the flocs to separate the flocsfrom the fluid. The primary magnetic field may have a high field of atleast 0.1 Tesla. The primary magnetic field may have a high magneticfield gradient of at least 1 Tesla/meter. The primary magnetic field maybe applied parallel to the direction of fluid flow.

[0033] The means for collecting may further include seed collectionmeans for collecting the magnetic seed from the separated flocs andrecirculating means for recirculating the magnetic seed collected by theseed collection means to the seeding means. The seed collection meansmay further include shearing means for separating the magnetic seed fromthe flocs. The recirculating means may include regeneration means forregenerating the magnetic seed. The regeneration means may includedemagnetization means for demagnetizing the magnetic seed. Theregeneration means may include acidic wash means for cleaning thesurface of the magnetic seed. The regeneration means may include dryingmeans. The drying means may include microwave means for applyingmicrowave energy to the magnetic seed to dry the seed.

[0034] The primary magnetic filtration means may include a primarymagnetic separator. The primary magnetic separator may be a continuous,high gradient magnetic separator, a cyclic high gradient magneticseparator, or a wet-drum type magnetic separator.

[0035] The seed collection means may include secondary magneticfiltration means. The secondary magnetic filtration means may include asecondary magnetic separator. The secondary magnetic separator may be acontinuous high gradient magnetic separator, a cyclic high gradientmagnetic separator, or a wet-drum type magnetic separator. The means formagnetically conditioning may include a filamentary matrix having alength of 6 to 12 inches in the direction of fluid flow. The filamentarymatrix may be stainless steel. The stainless steel may be cold worked toinduce an austenitic to martensitic phase transformation. Thefilamentary matrix may be bounded by an iron bound solenoid. Thefilamentary matrix may be bounded about its periphery by a DC energizingcoil for inducing the magnetic field. The filamentary matrix may includean upstream and a downstream end, the upstream end bounded by a magneticpole having a plurality of passageways there through and the downstreamend may be bounded by a second magnetic pole having a plurality ofpassageways therethrough, such that a fluid flow is allowed to passthrough the first magnetic pole, the upstream end, the downstream end,and the second magnetic pole. The first and second magnetic poles may beoriented to provide a uniform application of the magnetic field to thefilamentary matrix.

[0036] The flux density of the magnetic field may be in the range of 0.1to 6.0 Tesla in a direction normal to the first and second magneticpoles. The magnetic field may have a field gradient in the range of 10to 2000 Tesla/meter. The filamentary matrix may be bounded at anupstream and by first permanent magnet and at a downstream and by asecond permanent magnet, the permanent magnet producing a magnetic fieldof at least 0.1 Tesla.

[0037] The means for magnetically conditioning may include an upstreamend and a downstream end and inlet means for uniformly introducing thefluid over the upstream end of the means for magnetically conditioning.The means for magnetically conditioning may include a outlet port fordischarging the fluid to a region of non-turbulent flow. The region ofnon-turbulent flow may provide a retention time of at least 15 secondsto enhance formation of colloids.

[0038] The means for magnetically conditioning may further include anupstream end and a downstream end and the means for adding a coagulantmay further include introduction means for introducing the coagulant tothe fluid. The introduction means may further include distribution meansfor uniformly distributing the coagulant over the upstream end.

[0039] The magnetic seed may be magnetite, the fluid may contain lessthan 0.1 ppm of solute after removal of the solute particles, the solutemay be phosphate and the fluid may flow at a rate of 10 cm/sec. Theprimary magnetic separator may include a filamentary matrix and thesecondary magnetic separator may include a filamentary matrix.

[0040] The invention also features a method of removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation comprising magneticallyconditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magnetic field to thefluid to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation,adding a nucleation agent to the fluid before, during, or afterapplication of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate theincreased available solute particles to form colloids, and collectingthe colloids for removal from the fluid.

[0041] The invention also features a system for removing a solute from afluid using magnetically conditioned coagulation comprising means formagnetically conditioning the fluid by applying a conditioning magneticfield to enhance the precipitation of solute particles for coagulation,means for adding a nucleation agent to the fluid before, during, orafter application of the conditioning magnetic field to coagulate theincreased available solute particles to form colloids, and means forcollecting the colloids from the fluid.

DISCLOSURE OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042] Other objects, features and advantages will occur to thoseskilled in the art from the following description of a preferredembodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043]FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for removingsolutes using magnetically conditioned coagulation according to thisinvention in which magnetic conditioning may occur before coagulation,during coagulation, after coagulation or after coagulation andnucleation;

[0044]FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram, similar to FIG. 1, in whichcoagulation is performed without a coagulant by adding a nucleationagent only;

[0045]FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram, similar to FIG. 1, includingthe additional collection/removal sub-steps of magnetic seeding,flocculation, separation and removal of the solute and recovery andrecycling of the magnetic seed;

[0046]FIG. 3 is a detailed schematic flow diagram, similar to FIG. 1, ofa system according to this invention in which magnetic conditioningoccurs before coagulation and the solutes are separated for collectionand removal by flocculation and sedimentation without magnetic seeding;

[0047]FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic flow diagram, similar to FIG. 2, inwhich the solutes are separated for collection and removal by magneticfiltration followed by magnetic separation of the magnetic seed from thesludge, recycling of the seed, and regeneration of the seed surface;

[0048]FIG. 5 is a detailed schematic flow diagram, similar to FIG. 2, inwhich the solutes are separated for collection and removal bysedimentation followed by magnetic separation of the magnetic seed fromthe sludge, recycling of the seed and regeneration of the seed surface;

[0049]FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the magneticconditioner oriented transverse to the direction of the magnetic fieldand the fluid flow; and

[0050]FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing the reagent inlet and flowdistribution piping of the magnetic conditioner of FIG. 6.

[0051] Although specific features of this invention are shown in somedrawings and not others, this is for convenience only as each featuremay be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance withthe invention.

[0052] The system for removing solutes from a fluid using magneticallyconditioned coagulation is shown generally as reference numeral 10,FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, a fluid, for example waste watereffluent from a sewage treatment plant after sludge sediment removal,undergoes magnetic conditioning 12 by applying a high magnetic fieldparallel to the fluid flow, the fluid flow having a velocity of at least3 cm/sec. After magnetic conditioning 12 the fluid undergoes coagulation14 to precipitate the contaminant, e.g. phosphate, from the fluid toform colloids. It has been found that magnetic conditioning of the fluidallows the solute, in this case a contaminant such as phosphate, tobecome more readily available for coagulation, allowing the coagulant tobecome more efficient. The result is that much smaller quantities ofcoagulant are required than in previous purification systems, yet morecontaminant, e.g. phosphate, precipitates from the fluid. However, thepresent invention may be used to remove valuable solutes to be utilizedin various applications, and is in no way limited to phosphate removalfrom waste water.

[0053] After coagulation 14 of the solute, the precipitated soluteparticles, colloids, undergo collection 16. Once collection of thecolloids is complete, the fluid is discharged 20 with a solute level ofless than 0.05 parts per million (ppm). The decontaminated fluid mayundergo further processing including disinfection 22 if necessary toremove bacteria from the fluid.

[0054] While in the embodiment in FIG. 1 system 10 performs magneticconditioning 12 prior to coagulation 14, magnetic conditioning may alsooccur contemporaneously with coagulation, magnetic conditioning 12′,after coagulation, magnetic conditioning 12″, or after coagulation 14which includes nucleation 18, magnetic conditioning 12′″, all shown inphantom, to enhance precipitation and attachment of the solute to thecoagulant and/or the nucleation agent. The various embodiments have beenshown in phantom in order to reduce the number of drawings. However, oneskilled in the art will realize that magnetic conditioning need onlytake place either before, during or after coagulation where coagulationmay be defined as including or not including nucleation. The dramaticimprovement using the magnetic conditioning taught by this invention isdue to the effect of the magnetic field on ionic interactions of thesolute which modifies the hydration of the ions, creating favorableconditions for the formation of new ionic associates which enhance theformation of colloids.

[0055] Magnetic conditioning also changes the internal energy of thesystem which further influences intermolecular interactions. Themagnetic field influences the surface forces of the colloids causing themagnetic dipoles to align, thus creating forces which further enhancethe growth of the colloidal particles.

[0056] The Lorentz VXB forces on the moving electrical charges also tendto align the electric dipoles. This alignment of previously randomlyoriented dipoles enhances the regrouping of existing ionic associateswhich enhances the formation of colloids. Coagulation enhancement isthus influenced by the magnitude of the magnetic field, the gradient ofthe magnetic field, the orientation of the magnetic field with respectto the direction of the fluid flow and the velocity of the fluid flow inthe region of the magnetic field.

[0057] Although the preferred location of the magnetic conditioningmeans is prior to coagulation and the preferred orientation of themagnetic field is parallel to the direction of the fluid flow, theeffects described herein will occur independent of its location in theflow treatment system or the orientation of its field with respect tothe fluid flow.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment it is also a purpose of the magneticconditioning means to create local turbulent mixing to reduce theequivalent mean free path of magnetically modified ionic species toenhance the creation of new associates. In the presence of the means forintroducing such turbulent mixing, the parallel flow creates acombination of magnetic and hydrodynamic conditions which favor theelectrochemical interaction which initiates nucleation of the colloid.

[0059] For the process variation wherein the coagulant is introducedahead of, or in, the region of magnetic field, it is also important tocreate adequate turbulence to assure intimate mixing of the reagentthroughout the body of the fluid.

[0060] For optimum performance the magnetically conditioned coagulationshould be followed by a region of more quiescent, non-turbulent flow toprovide time for the formation and growth of colloids.

[0061] Although the effect of the preconditioning disappears with time(up to one hour) it is maximized with a retention time of up to tenminutes between the preconditioning and addition of the chemicalcoagulant. In the case of contemporaneous magnetic conditioning andcoagulation, the retention time is up to two minutes after coagulation.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, it has been found that a coagulant isnot always necessary. After magnetic conditioning 12, FIG. 1A,coagulation is enhanced by nucleation 18 a which is performed with theaddition of a nucleation agent. Once nucleation 18 a is complete, thecoagulated particles are collected and removed 16.

[0063] However, as shown above with reference to FIG. 1, magneticconditioning may also take place contemporaneously with nucleation,magnetic conditioning 12′, or after nucleation, magnetic conditioning12′″, both shown in phantom.

[0064] In summary, system 10 may comprise several embodiments byincorporating magnetic conditioning before, during, or after coagulation14 or after coagulation 14 and nucleation 18, prior to collection andremoval 16 of the solute, or before, during, or after nucleation 18 a,prior to collection and removal 16. While system 10 may be used toremove various solutes, it has been found extremely effective inremoving phosphates from sewage effluent. By magnetically conditioningwaste water effluent, it has been found that phosphate levels of thedischarged fluid may be reduced to less than 0.025 ppm, well below theproposed EPA requirement of 0.1 ppm required to control eutrophication.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, magnetic conditioning 12 includesmagnetic preconditioning means 24, FIG. 2, which applies a high magneticfield having an average flux density of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla and a fieldgradient of 10 to 2000 Tesla/meter. The magnetic field is appliedparallel to the flow of the fluid which is indicated by arrow 21. Aftermagnetic preconditioning 12 of the fluid, the fluid undergoescoagulation 14 by adding a coagulant 26 such as alum, ferric chloride,lime, or any other suitable coagulant to the magnetically conditionedfluid. Alternatively, all or a portion of the coagulant can beintroduced contemporaneously 26′ directly into the magneticpreconditioning means 24.

[0066] Coagulation 14 may include nucleation 18 in addition tocoagulation. Nucleation 18 may be performed contemporaneously withcoagulation 14. A nucleation agent 28, such as bentonite availablethrough American Colloid Co., Arlington Heights, Ill., is added to themagnetically conditioned solution. The addition of a nucleation agent tothe magnetically conditioned and coagulated fluid provides additionalsites for deposition of the phosphate, thus allowing greaterprecipitation of the solute from the waste water to increase the amountof phosphate removed from the fluid.

[0067] Once nucleation has been completed, the solute, for examplephosphate, undergoes collection and removal 16. The magneticallyconditioned slurry of fluid, treated with alum and bentonite, undergoesmagnetic seeding 30 in which a magnetic seed 32, such as magnetite whichis a natural ore such as that produced by Northshore Mining Co., SilverBay, Minn., is added to aid in the separation of the phosphate. However,this is not a necessary limitation as any other magnetic material may beused as magnetic seed. Magnetite is chosen because its amphotericsurface provides natural and highly effective scavenging ofmicrobiological contaminants such as coliform bacteria, viruses andother micron-sized pathogens such as cryptosporidium parvum and giardialamblia thereby requiring less disinfectant. Once magnetic seeding 30 iscomplete, the magnetically conditioned slurry undergoes flocculation 33in which flocculant 34 is added to form loose flocs containingcoagulated phosphate, nucleation agent 28, magnetic seed 32 and anyremaining suspended solids present in the fluid being treated. One suchflocculant is Percol 737, manufactured by Allied Collids, Suffolk, Va.or, Magnifloc, manufactured by Cytec Industries, of West Paterson, N.J.Flocculant 34 may be anionic or cationic, depending on the nature ofcoagulant 26 and the pH of the effluent.

[0068] After flocculation 33 the flocs are removed from the fluid byseparator 36. Once separation has been completed, magnetic seed 32 isseparated from the flocs and recirculated to magnetic seeding 30.

[0069] Alternatively, magnetic conditioning 12, FIG. 3, coagulation 14and nucleation 18, may occur to enhance collection and removal 16 ofsolute particles as discussed above, however, flocculation 33 occurswithout magnetic seeding and separation 36 takes place throughsedimentation. Flocculation 33 creates loose flocs. Separation 36through sedimentation is achieved by allowing adequate time for theflocs to settle to the bottom of the settling tank 108. Thephosphate-containing sludge is removed from the bottom of tank 108 forfurther processing and disposal while clean water flows from the top ofthe settling tank for further processing such as disinfection andstorage.

[0070] Magnetic conditioning 12, FIG. 4, includes magnetic conditioningmeans 24 which may include a magnetic conditioner. Magnetic conditioningmeans 24 applies magnetic field 38, having a magnetic gradient of atleast 10 Tesla per meter parallel to the direction of fluid flow 21. Ina preferred embodiment the best results are obtained with a magneticfield gradient of at least 100 Tesla per meter. The magneticallyconditioned effluent is fed into coagulation means 14′ which includecoagulation tank 40. Coagulant 26 is also fed into coagulation tank 40by coagulation pump means 42. Coagulant 26 may be fed at a rate of10-100 ppm. Where the contaminant is phosphate, coagulant 26, such asalum, is added to obtain a ratio of 10-100 ppm, or 48.6% solution byvolume, depending on the initial phosphate content and the desiredreduction level. Coagulation mixing means 44 intensely mixes coagulant26 with the magnetically conditioned effluent. The intense mixing shouldlast for at least 3 minutes in order to obtain complete mixing ofcoagulant 26 with the effluent.

[0071] Coagulation means 14′ may also include nucleation means 18′,which includes nucleation tank 46. The slurry containing themagnetically conditioned effluent and coagulant 26 is fed fromcoagulation tank 40 into nucleation tank 46. Nucleation agent 28 is fedinto nucleation tank 46 by nucleation pump means 48 at a rate of 25-100ppm. Nucleation mixing means 50 mixes the slurry and nucleation agent28. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing lasts at least 3 minutes,however, the mixing need not be as intense as coagulation mixing means44.

[0072] The slurry containing the magnetically conditioned fluid,coagulant 26 and nucleation agent 28 is then fed into magnetic seedingmeans 30′, of collection and removal means 16′, which includes seedingtank 52. Magnetic seed 32, such as coarse magnetite, is fed into seedingtank 52 by seeding pump means 54. Good results are obtained whenmagnetic seed 32 is added at a rate of 2,000-5,000 ppm. Seed mixingmeans 56 mixes the slurry and magnetic seed 32 thoroughly. Typically themixing time is at least 1 minute. It has also been found that by addinglarge amounts of magnetic seed 32, the mixing time may be reduced. Inorder to ensure thorough, complete mixing, the mixing can be done in therespective tanks. However, this is not a limitation to the invention.Mixing may also be accomplished by static in-line mixers which wouldreplace the tanks and mixing means shown in the figure, or both.

[0073] The slurry now containing the magnetically conditioned fluid,coagulant 26, nucleation agent 28 and magnetic seed 32 is fed intoflocculation tank 58 where flocculent 34 is added by flocculation pumpmeans 60 at a rate of 0.5-2.0 ppm.

[0074] In order to create large loose flocs 64 from which the magneticseed can be more easily separated for recycling, flocculation mixingmeans 62 mixes the slurry at low r.p.m.'s so that the flocs will not besheared apart. Good results are obtained with flocculation mixing timesof at least 30 seconds but no more than 3 minutes.

[0075] After flocculation 33′ is complete the slurry, comprised of cleanwater and flocs 64, is pumped into separator 36′ by separator pump means66. Separator pump means 66 includes a positive displacement pump suchas a piston and diaphragm or a screw type pump in order to avoidshearing apart flocs 64. Separator 36′ may include primary magneticfiltration means 68 and may be a continuous high gradient, cyclic highgradient or wet-drum type magnetic separator. Primary magneticfiltration means 68 applies a high magnetic field having an average fluxdensity of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla and a field gradient from 1 to 2000Tesla/meter, characterized by magnetic field lines 70, to the slurry toremove from the effluent flocs 64, which contain magnetic seed 32,coagulant 26, nucleation agent 28, entrapped phosphate and othersuspended solids. The magnetic field is preferably applied parallel tothe direction of fluid flow. The clear water is removed from separator36′ by discharge pump means 72.

[0076] Magnetic seed 32 collected by primary magnetic filtration means68 may be flushed from primary magnetic filtration means 68 by usingclean water from discharge pump means 72, or using raw water which hasalready been treated with coagulant 26 and nucleation agent 28 fromnucleation pump means 45.

[0077] The separated floes 64 are collected in collection tank 75 andthen pumped from separator 36′ by removal pump 74 back into seeding tank52. The solute (phosphate) loaded seed can be recycled up to ten times,after which the separated flocs 64 are eventually collected incollection tank 75 and pumped by removal pump 74 into shearing tank 76of seed collection means 83. Shearing tank 76 includes shearing means 80which shear the flocs into small pieces. Shearing means 80 may includeagitating the flocs to produce small pieces. The sheared floes are thenfed to secondary magnetic filtration means 78, which may includesecondary magnetic separator 82, (e.g. a continuous high gradient,cyclic high gradient, or wet-drum type magnetic separator), by shearingpump 77. Alternatively, flocs may be sheared into small pieces byturbulent flow through secondary magnetic separator 82.

[0078] In the event that the secondary magnetic separator 82 is a highgradient magnetic separator, shearing of the flocs may be accomplishedby turbulent flow within the matrix of secondary magnetic separator 82.

[0079] Secondary magnetic filtration means 78 applies a high magneticfield with a flux density in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 Tesla and a fieldgradient of 1 to 1000 Tesla/meter to the sheared flocs to separatemagnetic seed 32 from the sheared flocs. The recovered magnetic seed 32is collected by seed collector 84 which includes seed collection tank86. The collected magnetic seed 32 is then recirculated by recirculationmeans 88, which includes recirculation pump 90, which returns themagnetic seed 32 to magnetic seeding means 30′.

[0080] The sheared flocs from which the magnetic seed 32 has beenremoved, are collected by sludge collection tank 92 and are then pumpedto sludge filter 94 by sludge pump means 96. Water is removed from thesludge by sludge filter 94 and may be returned to coagulation tank 40.The sludge may be further treated by additional means such as biologicalactivation typical of waste water treatment facilities and well known tothose skilled in the art.

[0081] Magnetic seed 32 collected by secondary magnetic filtration means78 may be flushed from secondary magnetic separation means 78 by usingclean water from discharge means 72.

[0082] By recirculating magnetic seed 32, the amount of flocculant 34required may be reduced. Further, less magnetic seed 32 is required andthus less space is required to maintain magnetic seed 32. Thus,regenerating magnetic seed decreases operation costs.

[0083] Regeneration of seed 32 may be accomplished by diverting all or aportion of the recycled seed discharged from recirculation pump 90through seed regeneration means 101. Regeneration means 101 may includeseed demagnetization means 102, seed surface cleaning means 103, andseed drying means 104, any or all of which may be used independently orin any combination. Seed demagnetizing 102 is accomplished by passingthe seed through an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 to 1.0 Tesla and400 Hertz. Seed surface cleaning means 103 may include acidic chemicalcleaning such as acetic, chlorhidric, or sulfuric acid washing. Dryingmeans 104 may include microwave heating, or convection oven heating,preferably in an oxygen-free environment. The seed is dried at a veryhigh temperature to calcine the seed surface, but below the meltingpoint or fusing point of the seed.

[0084] In another embodiment, magnetic preconditioning means 12, FIG. 5,coagulation means 14′, nucleation means 18′, magnetic seeding means 30′and flocculation means 33′ are the same as discussed above withreference to FIG. 4. However, separator means 36″, includessedimentation means 106, similar to that discussed in FIG. 3, instead ofmagnetic filtration. Separator pump means 66′ feeds flocs 64′ intosedimentation means 106 which may include settling tank 108. Magneticseed 32′ accelerates the settling velocities of flocs 64′ in settlingtank 108. Typical settling velocities are enhanced to greater than 0.5cm/sec, dramatically decreasing the time it takes for flocs 64′ tosettle.

[0085] Provided that flocculation 33′ has formed large, loose flocs 64′,the overflow of sedimentation means 106 is a clear fluid which overflowssettling tank 108 into supplemental magnetic filtration means 110 whichmagnetically separates smaller flocs that may have been created bydisturbances in the flow of flocs 64′ into settling tank 108 fromseparator pump means 66′ and, because of their small size, did notsettle in sedimentation means 106.

[0086] Supplemental magnetic filtration means 110, similar to primarymagnetic filtration means 68, and secondary magnetic filtration means78, FIG. 4, applies a high magnetic field, represented by magnetic fieldlines 112, of at least 0.1 Tesla and a magnetic field gradient of atleast 10 Tesla/meter. In a preferred embodiment the magnetic fieldgradient is at least 100 Tesla/meter. The slurry collected in settlingtank 108 of sedimentation means 106 is then processed in a mannersimilar to that of FIG. 4. Flocs 64′ are collected and fed by removalpump means 72′ to secondary magnetic filtration means 78′ which includessecondary magnetic separator 82′. Magnetic seed 32′ is collected by seedcollector means 84′ and recirculated by recirculation means 88′.Recirculation means 88′ includes recirculation pump 90′ whichrecirculates the collected magnetic seed 32′ to magnetic seeding means30′. The recirculated magnetic seed may be recirculated directly intothe magnetically conditioned, coagulated fluid, or it may be added tomagnetic seed 32′.

[0087] Periodic seed regeneration means 101′ including seeddemagnetization means 102′, seed surface cleaning means 103′, and seeddrying means 104′ are the same as discussed above with reference to FIG.4. Magnetic conditioning 12, may include magnetic conditioning means 24and coagulant feed means 26′, FIG. 3.

[0088] Magnetic conditioning means 24, which can be circular orrectangular in cross section, FIG. 6, provides a magnetizing fieldindicated by arrow 124 throughout a working volume occupied byferromagnetic, filamentary matrix 122 having a length of 6-12 inches inthe direction of fluid flow 136. The field strength should be in therange of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla which may be derived from either conventionalor superconducting coil windings or permanent magnets. Magneticconditioning means 24 may include an iron bound solenoid comprised of DCenergizing coil 128 surrounded by a low carbon steel magnetic framecomprised of a flux return portion 132 and magnetic pole plates 134arrayed and supported on either surface of ferromagnetic filamentarymatrix 122 for producing the magnetic field. Field strengths in excessof 6.0 Tesla can be derived with the use of super-conducting energizingcoil windings. Magnetic flux in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla is inducedthroughout the entire volume bounded by coil 128 and pole plates 134 ina direction indicated by arrow 124, normal to the internal polesurfaces. Magnetic field 124 magnetizes the matrix filaments transverseto their long dimension, thereby creating very high magnetic fieldgradients at the filament edges which are aligned with magnetizing field124. Ferromagnetic filamentary matrix 122 includes layered stainlesssteel wool or expanded metal, each of which is characterized by verysharp edges which help to create very high magnetic field gradients.

[0089] Fluid to be treated indicated by arrow 136 is introduced to theupstream surface of magnetic conditioning means 24 via primary flowinlet duct 138. Fluid 136 flows through slots 140 between upstream poleplates 134, through magnetized filamentary matrix 122, between slots140′ and downstream pole plates 134′ and discharging into primary flowdischarge duct 142. The length of primary flow discharge duct 142 isselected to provide a retention time of thirty seconds to two minutes ofnon-turbulent flow to enhance formation of colloids.

[0090] The magnitude of the gradient of a magnetic field is inverselyproportional to the physical size of the magnetized element that createsit, and the depth or distance that the field strength extends from thesurface of that element is proportional to the physical size of theelement. The most efficient means of producing a uniform field withinthe magnetic conditioning working volume is with an iron bound solenoidcomprised of energizing coil 128 bound by iron flux return 132 and ironpole plates 134. Very high local magnetic field gradients are producedat thousands of sites distributed throughout the working volume bypositioning a matrix consisting of a very large number of fineferromagnetic filaments in the field. The average diameter of suchfilaments is typically less than 0.5 mm. The filaments are positionedsuch that they are generally transverse to the direction of themagnetizing field. When fully magnetized, a filament of this size cancreate a magnetic field gradient of up to 2000 Tesla/meter. Accordingly,the magnitude of the magnetic field anywhere in the working volume cannever be less than that of the magnetizing field.

[0091] While filamentary matrix 122 is typically constructed fromstainless steel wool or expanded metal, other construction techniquesand materials will be obvious to one skilled in the art. The preferreduse of corrosion resistant, 300 series, stainless steel requires thatthe matrix manufacturing process introduce adequate cold work into themetal to cause a transition from the austenitic, paramagnetic phase ofnormal 300 series stainless steel to a martensitic, ferromagnetic phase.Other matrix materials may be used such as 400 series stainless steelwhich is normally ferromagnetic or nickel which is useful in highlycorrosive chemical applications.

[0092] Placing the ferromagnetic filament matrix 122 within the magneticfield according to the present invention is unique to the magnetic fieldconditioning application and represents a far more efficient and muchlower cost design than that of the prior art. This will be particularlytrue for large flow volume applications wherein their use will result insignificant reductions in both the size and cost of new systeminstallations. Although the background field for most practicalapplication will be in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 Tesla there may beapplication which can take advantage of fields as high as 6.0 Teslawhich are realistically available with the use of superconductingenergizing coils. Alternatively, the magnetic field may be provided bypermanent magnets.

[0093] It has been found that by providing coagulant introduction anddistribution plumbing at the inlet surface of the magnetic conditioningsystem, the combined magnetic and hydraulic design features allow costeffective treatment of very large flow rate systems and also provideuniformly distributed introduction and thorough mixing of chemicalreagents into the flow stream of the water to be treated. The device canthus eliminate the need for costly reagent flash-mixers.

[0094] For contemporaneous magnetic conditioning 12′ and coagulation 14,as discussed with reference to FIG. 1, magnetic conditioning means 24,FIG. 6, includes coagulant flow distribution inlet manifold 144 andcoagulant flow distribution piping 146. Coagulant 26′ flows throughinput manifold 144 and into distribution piping 146 which dischargescoagulant 26′ into slots 140 by means of holes 148, FIG. 7, arrayedalong the full length of flow distribution piping 146 proximate saidslots. Thus, coagulant 26 is thoroughly dispersed throughout primaryfluid stream 136 by turbulent mixing induced by matrix 122.

[0095] Magnetic conditioning means 24 according to this invention mayaccommodate a flow rate of 5 million gallons per day, providing 2500square inches of matrix flow cross sectional area. However, other meansfor providing distributed flow through the poles of the magnet and forintroduction and distribution of chemical reagents or other filter aidsinto the primary flow streams are possible within the context of thisinvention.

[0096] Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and arewithin the following claims:

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for removing a solute from a fluid, themethod comprising: adding a coagulant to the fluid to transform a solutefrom a dissolved state to a non-dissolved, particulate state formingcolloids, and to destabilize the colloidal suspension of saidparticulates by reducing any charge on the surfaces of said particulatesresponsible for repulsion between them; collecting the colloids forremoval from the fluid including the steps of adding a magnetic seed tothe fluid and adding a flocculant to the fluid to form flocs; separatingthe flocs by sedimentation after flocculation has been completed toremove the flocs leaving a clear fluid overflow; and magneticallyfiltering small flocs from said overflow.
 2. The method of claim 1further including the step of applying a conditioning magnetic fieldbefore flocculation to a fluid which includes a substance dissolvedtherein in the state of a solute and magnetically enhancing the changeof the form of the substance from a dissolved state, to a non-dissolvedstate, namely a particulate form state, to thereby enhance precipitationof the solute for coagulation, wherein the conditioning magnetic fieldhas an average flux density in the range of greater than 0.2 Tesla to6.0 Tesla and a field gradient in the range of greater than 60Tesla/meter to 2000 Tesla/meter, and is parallel to the direction offluid flow.
 3. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 in whichcollecting includes recirculating the magnetic seed after removing theflocs from the fluid.
 4. The method for removing solutes of claim 3 inwhich recirculation includes regeneration of said magnetic seed.
 5. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 4 in which regeneration includesdemagnetization.
 6. The method for removing solutes of claim 5 in whichdemagnetization includes applying a magnetic field in the range of 0.1to 1.0 Tesla at 400 Hertz.
 7. The method for removing solutes of claim 4in which regeneration includes cleaning the surface of said magneticseed.
 8. The method for removing solutes of claim 7 in which cleaningthe magnetic seed includes washing the magnetic seed with acid.
 9. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 4 in which regeneration includesdrying the magnetic seed at a high temperature to calcine the seedsurface.
 10. The method for removing solutes of claim 9 in which dryingthe magnetic seed includes heating the magnetic seed with microwaves.11. The method for removing solutes of claim 3 in which recirculatingthe magnetic seed includes secondary magnetic filtration of saidmagnetic seed from the flocs by applying a secondary magnetic field tosaid flocs.
 12. The method for removing solutes of claim 11 in which thesecondary magnetic field has an average flux density in the range of 0.1to 2.0 Tesla.
 13. The method for removing solutes of claim 11 in whichthe secondary magnetic field has a field gradient in the range of 1 to1000 Tesla/meter.
 14. The method for removing solutes of claim 11 inwhich said secondary magnetic field is applied parallel to a directionof fluid flow.
 15. The method for removing solutes of claim 11 in whichrecirculating the magnetic seed includes flushing the magnetic seed withwater.
 16. The method for removing solutes of claim 3 in which saidcollecting includes shearing said flocs into small pieces.
 17. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 16 in which said shearing includesagitating said flocs.
 18. The method for removing solutes of claim 16 inwhich shearing includes shearing said flocs through turbulent fluidflow.
 19. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 in which saidmagnetically filtering includes primary magnetic filtration by applyinga primary magnetic field to the flocs, after flocculation has beencompleted, to remove the flocs from said overflow.
 20. The method forremoving solutes of claim 19 in which the primary magnetic field has anaverage flux density in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 Tesla.
 21. The methodfor removing solutes of claim 19 in which said primary magnetic fieldhas a field gradient in the range of 1 to 2000 Tesla/meter.
 22. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 19 in which the primary magneticfield is applied parallel to the direction of a fluid flow.
 23. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 1 in which the magnetic seed ismagnetite.
 24. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 in which saidmagnetite provides a surface for the collection of microbiologicalcontaminants from said fluid.
 25. The method for removing solutes ofclaim 24 in which said biological contaminants are chosen from the groupconsisting of bacteria, viruses and pathogens including cryptosporidiumparvum and giardia lablia.
 26. The method for removing solutes of claim1 in which said magnetic seed accelerates the settling velocity of saidflocs.
 27. The method for removing solutes of claim 26 in which saidsettling velocity is greater than 0.5 cm/sec.
 28. The method forremoving solutes of claim 1 in which collecting includes mixing at lowr.p.m.'s, after adding flocculent, to create large, loose flocs.
 29. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 28 in which the mixing at lowr.p.m.'s occurs for at least 30 seconds.
 30. The method for removingsolutes of claim 1 in which the coagulant is alum.
 31. The method forremoving solutes of claim 30 in which the percent by volume of alum isas a 48.6% solution and fed in the system at a rate of 10 to 100 ppm.32. The method for removing solutes of claim 2 in which saidconditioning magnetic field gradient is 100 Tesla/meter.
 33. The methodfor removing solutes of claim 1 in which said fluid contains less than0.1 ppm of solute after collecting the colloids.
 34. The method forremoving solutes of claim 1 in which the coagulant is ferric chloride.35. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 in which the coagulant islime.
 36. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 in which theflocculant is anionic.
 37. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 inwhich the flocculent is cationic.
 38. The method for removing solutes ofclaim 1 further including the step of adding a nucleation agent toincrease available solute particles to form colloids.
 39. The method forremoving solutes of claim 38 in which said nucleation agent isbentonite.
 40. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 in which thesolute is phosphate.
 41. The method for removing solutes of claim 1 inwhich said collecting further includes recirculating the flocs.
 42. Themethod for removing solutes of claim 41 wherein said floc can berecirculated up to ten times.
 43. A system for removing a solute form aliquid comprising: means for adding a coagulant to the fluid tocoagulate the solute particles to form colloids; means for collectingthe colloids from the liquid, said means for collecting includingseeding means for adding magnetic seed to magnetically condition saidfluid and flocculation means for producing flocs of said soluteparticles; and separator means responsive to said flocculation means forseparating said flocs from said fluid, said separator means includingsedimentation means in which said flocs settle to the bottom of saidsedimentation means and clear fluid overflows said sedimentation means,said separator means further including magnetic filtration means forfiltering small flocs from said fluid overflow.
 44. The system forremoving solutes of claim 43 in which said means for collecting furtherincludes seed collection means for collecting the magnetic seed from theseparated flocs and recirculating means for recirculating said magneticseed collected by said seed collection means to said seeding means. 45.The system for removing solutes of claim 44 in which said recirculatingmeans includes regeneration means for regenerating said magnetic seed.46. The system for removing solutes of claim 45 in which saidregeneration means includes drying means.
 47. The system for removingsolutes of claim 46 in which said drying means includes microwave meansfor applying microwave energy to said magnetic seed to dry the seed. 48.The system for removing solutes of claim 46 in which said regenerationmeans includes demagnetization means for demagnetizing said magneticseed.
 49. The system for removing solutes of claim 46 in which saidregeneration means includes acidic wash means for cleaning the surfaceof said magnetic seed.
 50. The system for removing solutes of claim 43in which said separator means further includes recirculation means forrecirculating said flocs to said means for collecting.
 51. The systemfor removing solutes of claim 44 in which said seed collection meansincludes secondary magnetic filtration means.
 52. The system forremoving solutes of claim 51 in which said secondary magnetic filtrationmeans includes a secondary magnetic separator.
 53. The system forremoving solutes of claim 52 in which said secondary magnetic separatoris a continuous high gradient magnetic separator.
 54. The system forremoving solutes of claim 52 in which said secondary magnetic separatoris a cyclic high gradient magnetic separator.
 55. The system forremoving solutes of claim 52 in which said secondary magnetic separatoris a wet-drum type magnetic separator.
 56. The system for removingsolutes of claim 52 in which said secondary magnetic separator includesa filamentary matrix.
 57. The system for removing solutes of claim 44 inwhich said seed collection means further includes shearing means forseparating said magnetic seed from said flocs.
 58. The system forremoving solutes of claim 43 in which said magnetic filtration meansincludes primary magnetic filtration means, responsive to said magneticseeds, for applying a primary magnetic field to said flocs to separatesaid flocs from said fluid.
 59. The system for removing solutes of claim58 in which said primary magnetic filtration means includes a primarymagnetic separator.
 60. The system for removing solutes of claim 59 inwhich said primary magnetic separator is a continuous high gradientmagnetic separator.
 61. The system for removing solutes of claim 59 inwhich said primary magnetic separator is a cyclic high gradient magneticseparator.
 62. The system for removing solutes of claim 59 in which saidprimary magnetic separator is a wet-drum type magnetic separator. 63.The system for removing solutes of claim 59 in which said primarymagnetic separator includes a filamentary matrix.
 64. The system forremoving solutes of claim 58 in which said primary magnetic field is ahigh field of at least 0.1 Tesla.
 65. The system for removing solutes ofclaim 58 in which said primary magnetic field has a high magnetic fieldgradient of at least 1 Tesla/meter.
 66. The system for removing solutesof claim 43 in which said magnetic seed is magnetite.
 67. The system forremoving solutes of claim 66 in which said magnetite provides a surfacefor the collection of microbiological contaminants from said fluid. 68.The system for removing solutes of claim 67 in which microbiologicalcontaminants are chosen from the group consisting of bacteria, virusesand pathogens including cryptosporidium parvum and giardia lamblia. 69.The system for removing solutes of claim 43 in which said magnetic seedaccelerates the settling velocity of said fluid.
 70. The system forremoving solutes of claim 69 in which said settling velocity is greaterthan 0.5 cm/sec.
 71. The system of claim 43 further including means formagnetically conditioning the fluid before flocculation by applying aconditioning magnetic field parallel to a direction of fluid flow andhaving an average flux density in the range of greater than 0.2 Tesla to6.0 Tesla and a field gradient in the range of greater than 60Tesla/meter to 2000 Tesla/meter, to enhance the precipitation of soluteparticles for coagulation.
 72. The system for removing solutes of claim71 in which said means for magnetically conditioning includes afilamentary matrix.
 73. The system for removing solutes of claim 71 inwhich said filamentary matrix comprises stainless steel.
 74. The systemfor removing solutes of claim 73 in which said stainless steel has beencold worked to induce an austenitic to martensitic phase transformation.75. The system for removing solutes of claim 72 in which said matrix isbounded by an iron bound solenoid.
 76. The system for removing solutesof claim 75 in which said matrix is bounded about its periphery by a DCenergizing coil for producing said magnetic field.
 77. The system forremoving solutes of claim 72 in which said filamentary matrix comprisesan upstream end and a downstream end, said upstream end bounded by afirst magnetic pole having a plurality of passage ways therethrough andsaid downstream end bounded by a second magnetic pole having a pluralityof passage ways therethrough, such that a fluid flow is allowed to passthrough said first magnetic pole, said upstream end, said downstream endand said second magnetic pole.
 78. The system for removing solutes ofclaim 77 in which said first and said second magnetic poles are orientedto provide uniform application of the conditioning magnetic field tosaid matrix.
 79. The system for removing solutes of claim 72 in whichsaid filamentary matrix has length of 6 to 12 inches in the direction ofa fluid flow.
 80. The system for removing solutes of claim 71 in whichsaid filamentary matrix is bounded at an upstream end by a firstpermanent magnet and at a downstream end by a second permanent magnet,said permanent magnets producing said conditioning magnetic field. 81.The system for removing solutes of claim 71 in which said means formagnetically conditioning includes an outlet port for discharging saidfluid to a region of non-turbulent flow.
 82. The system for removingsolutes of claim 81 in which said region provides a retention time of atleast 15 seconds to enhance formation of said colloids.
 83. The systemfor removing solutes of claim 71 in which said means for magneticallyconditioning further includes an upstream end and a downstream end, andsaid means for adding a coagulant further includes introduction meansfor introducing said coagulant to said fluid.
 84. The system forremoving solutes of claim 83 in which said introduction means furtherincludes distribution means for uniformly distributing said coagulantover said upstream end.
 85. The system for removing solutes of claim 43in which said means for adding a coagulant further includes nucleationmeans for adding a nucleation agent.
 86. The system for removing solutesof claim 71 in which said means for magnetically conditioning includesan upstream end and a downstream end and inlet means for uniformlyintroducing said fluid over said upstream end of said means formagnetically conditioning.
 87. The system for removing solutes of claim43 in which said fluid contains less than 0.1 ppm of solute afterremoval of the solute particles.
 88. The system for removing solutes ofclaim 43 in which the solute is phosphate.
 89. The system for removingsolutes of claim 43 in which said fluid flows at a rate of 10 cm/sec.90. A method for removing a solute from a fluid, the method comprising:adding a coagulant to the fluid to transform a solute from a dissolvedstate to a non-dissolved, particulate state forming colloids, and todestabilize the colloidal suspension of said particulates by reducingany charge on the surfaces of said particulates responsible forrepulsion between them; collecting the colloids for removal from thefluid including the steps of adding a magnetic seed to the fluid andadding a flocculant to the fluid to form flocs; separating the flocs bysedimentation after flocculation has been completed to remove the flocsleaving a clear fluid overflow; recirculating said flocs, saidrecirculation providing for reflocculation of said fluid; andmagnetically filtering small flocs from said overflow.
 91. A system forremoving a solute from a fluid comprising: means for adding a coagulantto the fluid to coagulate the solute particles to form colloids; meansfor collecting the colloids from the fluid, said means for collectingincluding flocculation means for producing flocs of said soluteparticles and seeding means for adding magnetic seed to magneticallycondition said fluid; and separator means responsive to saidflocculation means for separating said flocs from said fluid, saidseparator means including sedimentation means in which said flocs settleto the bottom of said sedimentation means and clear fluid overflows saidsedimentation means, said separator means further including magneticfiltration means for filtering small flocs from said fluid overflow; andrecirculating means responsive to said clear fluid overflow from saidsedimentation means for recirculating said fluid to said flocculationmeans.
 92. A system for removing a solute from a fluid comprising: acoagulation tank for receiving the fluid with solute particles thereinand for receiving a coagulant for coagulating the solute particles toform colloids; a seeding tank for receiving the fluid containing thecolloids and for receiving magnetic seed to magnetically condition thefluid; a flocculation tank for receiving the fluid and for receiving aflocculant for producing flocs of said solute particles; and a separatorfor receiving the fluid having flocs therein for separating the flocsfrom the fluid, the separator including a settling tank in which theflocs settle to the bottom of the settling tank and clear fluidoverflows the settling tank, the separator further including a magneticfilter for filtering small flocs from said fluid overflow.